4 military branches to perform at Blue Thunder show
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The following is a news release from organizers of the Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show.
IDAHO FALLS – The Navy Blue Angels, Air Force F-35 Heritage Flight, the Marine Corps-piloted Fat Albert C-130 and now the Army Black Daggers Parachute Team! We are so honored to have all four major military branches part of this year’s Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show, being held at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport on July 22 and 23.
The US Army Special Ops Command Parachute Demonstration Team – the Black Daggers – is comprised of all volunteers from the Army Special Operations community. Varying in backgrounds and specialties, the team performs aerial demonstrations in support of the Army Special Operations’ community outreach and recruitment efforts.
The team uses ram-air parachutes that allow for free-falling parachuting with more than 100 pounds of additional equipment. These highly skilled parachutists not only withstand extra equipment weight, but also high winds, frigid temperatures and low oxygen.
In addition to the Black Daggers, the Air Show Board is proud to announce that Lee Lauderback will round out the roster for major air show acts.
Lee Lauderback, is the president and CEO of Stallion 51 Corporation, located in Kissimmee, Florida. Since 1987, Stallion 51’s innovative and comprehensive curricula have instructed thousands of pilots on the correct and safe methods of flying both the legendary P-51 Mustang and the historic T-6 Texan.
He started flying sailplanes at age 14 and launched his corporate aviation career immediately after college with the noted professional golfer, philanthropist and businessman, Arnold Palmer. Lee was Mr.
Palmer’s chief pilot and the director of flight operations for 17 years, flying several different models of Citation jets, a Learjet and a MD500E helicopter. He has over 2,000 hours in sailplanes, has competed in many soaring contests and has held several sailplane records.
Currently, he performs his Signature Solo Mustang Routine at air shows around the country. Lee was one of the first civilian pilots for the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight program, which showcases historic WWII military aircraft and current U.S. Air Force military aircraft in a unique formation flight.
The 2017 Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show will be held at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport on Skyline Drive. The show features the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Heritage Flight Team accompanied by the P-51 Mustang.
Ticket prices from June 1-July 21 are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets will be available at the gate for $30 for adults and $15 for children. Children (ages 5 & under) are free.
Tickets are available online. Tickets can also be purchased with cash or credit card at all Westmark Credit Union locations. Pricing for tickets purchased at Westmark will be identical to the prices available online. After operating costs, proceeds from the air show will be donated to local non-profit organizations.
Each ticket is good for one day, either July 22 or July 23, but not both days. Gates open at 9 a.m. on both days. Static displays, vendors and merchandizing will be available throughout the day. The show concludes around 4:30 p.m. To ensure everyone can view the performance, the air show will be an open-seating environment.